What to Include in a CV
- Contact Details
- A Short Bio
- Skills
- Work Experience
- Education
- Relevant Awards and Additional Info
- References
What Makes a CV Stand Out?
- Clear and concise format: Use a clean layout with a logical flow. Keep the CV to a maximum of two pages and use bullet points to highlight key information.
- Tailored content: Customise your CV for each job application by highlighting relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job requirements.
- Strong opening statement: Begin your CV with a compelling objective statement or summary that captures the attention of the reader and showcases your unique value.
- Quantifiable achievements: Use specific numbers, percentages, or other measurable data to demonstrate your accomplishments and the impact you had in previous roles.
- Relevant skills and keywords: Include specific skills and keywords that are relevant to the job you are applying for. This will show that you have the necessary expertise and will increase the visibility of your CV in keyword-scanning systems.
- Visual appeal: Use a professional and visually appealing design with appropriate fonts, spacing, and headings. However, avoid excessive embellishments to maintain a clean and professional look.
- Additional sections: Include additional sections like certifications, relevant courses, volunteering experiences, or hobbies that highlight your unique qualities and show that you go beyond the basic requirements.
- Proofread and edit: Double-check your CV for any spelling or grammatical errors. Get someone else to review it as well, as they might catch mistakes that you might have missed.
What to Include in a Cover Letter?
- Contact Information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter.
- Salutation: Address the letter to a specific person if possible, using their name and job title. If you don't have this information, use a general salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."